10/11/2025

Last week’s publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR), led by Professor Becky Francis, and the Government’s accompanying response represents a significant step towards a curriculum that works for pupils of all backgrounds.

Most importantly, we are pleased to see such a strong focus on early literacy – and in particular, on reading fluency – throughout the Review, the Government’s response, and the Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson’s statement to the House of Commons.

At the Fischer Family Foundation we know what works to improve early literacy. For decades, we have supported schools to help every child learn to read fluently and with confidence. That’s why we welcome the Government’s proposal for ‘a new statutory national assessment of reading fluency and comprehension in Year 8’ – a move that will help ensure pupils who need extra support are identified early. Just as importantly, this change should help embed reading fluency as a priority throughout the system – sending a clear signal that literacy development doesn’t stop at the end of primary school, and encouraging renewed focus on early reading from the very start of a child’s education.

We particularly welcome the Secretary of State’s recognition of the challenge faced by pupils with SEND and those from working-class backgrounds, and her clear statement that reading is “essential in every subject”. This emphasis will be critical in driving cultural change and keeping literacy at the heart of teaching across both primary and secondary phases.

The scale of the challenge remains considerable:

• 25% pupils did not meet the expected standard in KS2 Reading in 2024/25;
• Among pupils with SEND, 58% did not achieve the expected standard in reading.
• For disadvantaged white pupils, 40%% did not achieve the expected standard in reading.

And the long-term consequences are clear:

• Just 16% of children with very low early literacy starting points (those scoring 1.1 in KS1 literacy assessments) went on to achieve at least a grade 4 in English GCSE aged 16, according to FFT research.
• Meanwhile, we know from the National Centre for Social Research that pupils without a GCSE above grade 1-3 are significantly more likely to become NEET.

The Government’s response to the CAR is therefore an important step in the right direction – ensuring that early literacy features in every conversation about tackling educational disadvantage. It also build on the Government’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Reading.

We would, however, like to see more attention given to the transition from early years to primary school – a vital juncture in children’s literacy development. We look forward to seeing how the Government builds on these positive steps in next year’s Schools White Paper.

Mike Fischer, Founder and Chairman of the Fischer Family Trust said:

“This week’s Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s response are a welcome step in the right direction – a step towards ensuring that early literacy has a central place in every conversation about educational disadvantage.

The move to introduce a new statutory national assessment of reading fluency and comprehension in Year 8 will be vital in driving cultural change and incentivising a stronger focus on reading across both primary and the early stages of secondary education.

We also greatly value the national leadership that the Secretary of State has shown in recognising that reading is “essential in every subject”. That insight must now guide delivery.”